Selection Process
We are committed to a fair, transparent, and inclusive selection process. A committee will review all nominations and select awardees. The committee is intentionally structured to reflect diverse perspectives from across the K-12 ecosystem.Â
The committee will review all applications by July 2026 and awardees will be notified privately before a public announcement and celebration at the Symposium.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated using a rubric that reflects the values embedded in each award category—centering student voice, evidence-informed practice, community insight, and bold accountability. Nominators are encouraged to provide clear, specific examples that illustrate the nominee’s contributions. Strong applications will demonstrate not only what was accomplished, but why it matters and who it has impacted.
Community Choice Award
This year, Symposium attendees will help select the winner of the Community Choice Award.
On Thursday, October 8, more than 35 teams will showcase their innovative work, ideas, and lessons learned through both the Showcase Presentations and interactive Showcase Gallery. Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to vote for the showcase that most inspired new thinking, challenged assumptions, or sparked meaningful connections to their own work. All Showcase teams are eligible to win.
The Community Choice Award celebrates bold innovation, authentic impact, and the collective power of educators learning from one another.